Electrically insulating thermal connector having a low thermal resistivity

ABSTRACT

A thermal connector comprising an electrically insulating beam having a first end face at a first end and a second end face at a second end is provided. The second end face may be opposite the first end face in an X direction. The beam may have a width in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. The beam may also have a top face and a bottom face offset from the top face in a Z direction. The thermal connector may include a first terminal attached to the bottom face and adjacent the first end and a second terminal attached to the top face and adjacent the first end. The connector may have an overall thickness in the Z direction, which includes the first and second terminals and is greater than 1.27 mm and less than 3.81 mm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/135,303 having a filing date of Sep. 19, 2018, which claims filingbenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/561,408having a filing date of Sep. 21, 2017, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical circuits, such as power amplifier circuits, generate heatduring normal operation. Heat build-up may undesirably increase thetemperature of the various components of the electrical circuit. If thisheat is not sufficiently managed, for example by dissipation to a heatsink, the electrical device may overheat, resulting in damage to theelectrical component. Connecting an electrical component directly to theheat sink, however, may undesirably create an electrical connectionbetween the electrical component and the heat sink, i.e., a flow ofelectrical current, and disrupt the operation of the electricalcomponent and circuit. As such, a need currently exists for a thermalconnector having a low thermal resistance and a high electricalresistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a thermalconnector is disclosed. The thermal connector may include anelectrically insulating beam having a first end face at a first end anda second end face at a second end. The second end face may be oppositethe first end face in an X direction. The beam may have a width in a Ydirection which is perpendicular to the X direction. The beam may alsohave a top face and a bottom face offset from the top face in a Zdirection, which is perpendicular to each of the X and Y directions. Thethermal connector may include a first terminal attached to the bottomface and adjacent the first end and a second terminal attached to thetop face and adjacent the first end. The connector may have an overallthickness in the Z direction, which includes the first and secondterminals. The overall thickness may be greater than 0.05 inch (1.27 mm)and less than 0.15 inch (3.81 mm).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, whichmakes reference to the appended figure in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a thermal connector inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the thermalconnector in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the thermal connectorillustrated in FIG. 1 connecting an electronic device with a heat sink;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the thermal connectorillustrated in FIG. 2 connecting an electronic device with a heat sink;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the thermal connectorillustrated in FIG. 1 connecting an electronic device with a heat sink;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the thermal connectorthat includes conductive traces configured to provide electrical tuning;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the thermalconnector that includes conductive traces configured to provideelectrical tuning;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the thermal connectorhaving holes formed therein to provide electrical tuning; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical component, alaser diode.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawing is intended to represent same or analogous features or elementsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, andis not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplaryconstruction.

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to a thermalconnector which may be connected between an electrical component and aheat sink, or other thermal point, to improve heat dissipation from theelectrical component to the heat sink. The thermal connector may haveone or more terminals at each end to aid with connection to the heatsink and electrical component. The terminals may be electricallyseparate and the beam may have a high electrical resistance such that aflow of electrical current between the terminals may be prevented orsubstantially prevented. This configuration may be advantageous becauseit may dissipate heat from the electrical component to the heat sinkwithout electrically connecting the component to the heat sink, whichmight disrupt the operation of the component.

I. Thermal Connector with Non-Wrapped Terminals

Referring to FIG. 1, the thermal connector 10 may include anelectrically insulating beam 12 having a first end face 14 at a firstend 16 and a second end face 18 at a second end 20. The second end face18 may be opposite the first end face 14 in an X direction 22. In someembodiments, the first end face 14 may be parallel with the second endface 18. The beam 12 may have a width in a Y direction 24 which isperpendicular to the X direction 22. In some embodiments, the width ofthe beam 12 may be equal to an overall width 25 of the thermal connector10. The beam 12 may also have a top face 26 and a bottom face 28. Thebottom face 28 may be offset from the top face 26 in a Z direction 30,which is perpendicular to each of the X and Y directions 22, 24. In someembodiments, the top and bottom faces 26, 28 of the beam 12 may beparallel. The thermal connector 10 may include a first terminal 32attached to the bottom face 28 of the beam 12 and adjacent the first end16. The thermal connector 10 may include a second terminal 34 attachedto the top face 26 and adjacent the first end 16 of the beam 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the thermal connector 10may have four terminals. For example, in addition to the first andsecond terminals 32, 34, discussed above, the thermal connector 10 mayinclude a third terminal 36 attached to the bottom face 28 of the beam12 and adjacent the second end 20. The thermal connector 10 may alsoinclude a fourth terminal 38 attached to the top face 26 and adjacentthe second end 20.

Each terminal may extend to a respective edge adjacent a respective endface. For example, the first terminal 32 may extend on the bottom face28 of the beam 12 along an edge between the bottom face 28 of the beam12 and the first end face 14 of the beam 12. The second terminal 34 mayextend on the top face 26 of the beam 12 along an edge between the topface 26 and first end face 14 of the beam 12. Similarly, the thirdterminal 36 may extend on the bottom face 28 of the beam 12 along anedge between the second end face 18 and the bottom face 28 of the beam12. Lastly, the fourth terminal 38 may extend on the top face 26 of thebeam 12 along an edge between the top face 26 and the second end face 18of the beam 12.

The first terminal 32 may have a bottom surface 40 parallel with thebottom face 28 of the beam 12, and the second terminal 34 may have a topsurface 42 parallel with the top face 26 of the beam 12. An overallthickness 44 of the connector may be defined as a distance between thebottom surface 40 of the first terminal 32 and the top surface 42 of thesecond terminal 34 in the Z direction 30, for example. In someembodiments, however, the thermal connector 10 may not include thesecond and/or fourth terminals 34, 38 on the top face 26 of the beam 12.In such an embodiment, the overall thickness 44 may be defined as thedistance between the bottom surface 40 of the first terminal 32 and thetop face 26 of the beam 12 in the Z direction 30.

Each of the terminals may have a respective terminal length 46 in the Xdirection 22 and a respective terminal thickness 48 in the Z direction30 (labeled in FIG. 1 for the third terminal 36 only for clarity). Theoverall thickness 44 of the thermal connector 10 in the Z direction 30may include the respective thicknesses of the terminals in the Zdirection 30.

In some embodiments, the thermal connector 10 may have an overall length51 in the Y direction 24. The overall length 51 and overall width 25 ofthe thermal connector 10 may be equal to the length and width,respectively, of the beam 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, theterminals may not extend beyond the edges of the top and bottom faces26, 28. In other embodiments, however, one or more of the terminals mayextend beyond the respective edges of the top and/or bottom face 26, 28of the beam 12. In that case, the overall length 51 and/or overall width25 of the thermal connector 10 may be larger than the respective lengthand and/or width of the beam 12. This may advantageously provide alarger terminal to connect an electrical component and/or heat sink tothe thermal connector 10.

II. Thermal Connector with Wrapped Terminals

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the thermal connector 10 mayinclude a first wrap-around terminal 52 which wraps, or extends, aroundthe first end 16 of the beam 12 such that the first wrap-around terminal52 is attached to both the top face 26 of the beam 12 and the bottomface 28 of the beam 12. The first wrap-around terminal 52 may include afirst terminal 32 and a second terminal 34, similar to the previousembodiment, and may also include a first end face terminal 53. The firstend face terminal 53 may connect the first terminal 32 with the secondterminal 34 and may be attached to the first end face 14 (shown inFIG. 1) of the beam 12. In one embodiment, the first wrap-aroundterminal 52 may be a single continuous terminal. For example, the firstterminal 32, second terminal 34, and the first end face terminal 53 maybe portions of the first wrap-around terminal 52. Additionally, thefirst wrap-around terminal 52 may be formed using any suitabletechnique, and may be formed in a single step, for example.

A second wrap-around terminal 54 may be similarly configured such thatthe second wrap-around terminal 54 wraps around the second end 20 of thebeam 12 and is attached to both the top face 26 of the beam 12 and thebottom face 28 of the beam 12. For example, the second wrap-aroundterminal 54 may include a third terminal 36 and a fourth terminal 38,similar to the previous embodiment, and may additionally include asecond end face terminal 55. The second end face terminal 55 may beattached to the second end face 18 (shown in FIG. 1) of the beam 12 andmay connect the third terminal 36 with the fourth terminal 38. In oneembodiment, the second wrap-around terminal 54 may be a singlecontinuous terminal. For example, the third terminal 36, fourth terminal38, and the second end face terminal 55 may be portions of the secondwrap-around terminal 54. Additionally, the second wrap-around terminal54 may be formed using any suitable technique, and may be formed in asingle step, for example.

In some embodiments, the first wrap-around terminal 52 may span thewidth of the beam 12 across the first end face 14 of the beam 12 suchthat the width of the beam 12 is equivalent to the overall width 25 ofthe connector 10. The second wrap-around terminal 54 may similarly spanthe width of the beam 12 across the second end face 18 of the beam 12.For example, the first wrap-around terminal 52 may have a top surface 42which is adjacent and/or parallel with the top face 26 of the beam 12.The first wrap-around terminal 52 may also have a bottom surface 40which is adjacent and/or parallel with the bottom face 28 of the beam12. The overall thickness 44 of the connector 10 may be defined as thedistance in the Z direction 30 between the top surface 42 of the firstwrap-around terminal 52 and the bottom surface 40 of the firstwrap-around terminal.

Each of the terminals may have a respective terminal length 46 in the Xdirection 22 and terminal thickness 48 in the Z direction 30 (labeledonly on the second wrap-around terminal 54 for clarity). In someembodiments, the portion of the first wrap-around terminal 52 attachedto the top surface 42 may have a different length than the portion ofthe first wrap-around terminal 52 attached to the bottom face 28. Inother embodiments, these lengths may be the same or similar asillustrated in FIG. 2.

The first and second wrap-around terminals 52, 54 may also haverespective terminal thicknesses 56 in the X direction 22 along the firstand second end faces 14, 18 of the beam 12 direction (labeled on thesecond terminal 54 only for clarity). In some embodiments, the terminalthickness 56 in the X direction 22 of the second wrap-around terminal 54may be approximately equal to the terminal thickness 48 in the Zdirection 30 of the second wrap-around terminal 54 such that the secondwrap-around terminal 54 has a uniform thickness. In some embodiments,the first wrap-around terminal 52 may be similarly configured. In otherembodiments, the terminal thickness 48 in the Z direction 30 may bedifferent than the terminal thickness 56 in the X direction 22, forexample.

Referring to FIG. 2, the overall length 51 of the thermal connector 10may include each respective terminal thickness 56 in the X direction 22of the first and second wrap-around terminals 52, 54. The thermalconnector 10 may also have an overall width 25 in the X direction 22. Insome embodiments, the overall width 25 of the thermal connector 10 maybe equal to the width of the beam 12 because the respective widths offirst and second wrap-around terminals 52, 54 may be equal to or lessthan the width of the beam 12. In other embodiments, however, the firstand second wrap-around terminals 52, 54 may have respective widthsgreater than the width of the beam 12 such that at least one of first orsecond wrap-around terminals 52, 54 extend beyond an edge of the beam 12in the Y direction 24. This may provide a larger terminal to connect theelectrical component 60 and/or heat sink 62 to the thermal connector 10.

III. Dimensions, Properties, and Materials

As noted above, the overall thickness 44 of the thermal connector 10 inthe Z direction 30 may include the thicknesses 48 of the first andsecond terminals 32, 34 in the Z direction 30. In some embodiments, theoverall thickness 44 of the thermal connector 10 may be greater than0.05 inch (1.27 mm) and less than 0.15 inch (3.81 mm). For example, insome embodiments, the overall thickness 44 may be between about 0.055inch (1.40 mm) and about 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), in other embodimentsbetween about 0.055 inch (1.40 mm) and about 0.085 inch (2.16 mm), inother embodiments between about 0.056 inch (1.42 mm) and about 0.07 inch(1.78 mm), in other embodiments between about 0.057 inch (1.45 mm) andabout 0.063 inch (1.60 mm). In some embodiments, the overall thickness44 may be about 0.06 inch (1.52 mm) or greater. For instance, thethickness may be between about 0.06 inch (1.52 mm) and about 0.14 inch(3.556 mm), in other embodiments, between about 0.07 (1.78 mm) inch andabout 0.13 inch (3.30 mm), in other embodiments, between about 0.08 inch(2.03 mm) and about 0.12 inch (3.05 mm), in other embodiments, betweenabout 0.09 inch (2.29 mm) and about 0.11 inch (2.79 mm), and, in otherembodiments, between about 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) and about 0.15 inch (3.81mm).

In some embodiments, the overall length 51 of the thermal connector 10may be between about 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) and about 0.5 inch (1.27 mm),and in some embodiments, between about 0.15 inch (3.81 mm) and about0.25 inch (6.35 mm), and in some embodiments, between about 0.2 inch(5.08 mm) and about 0.4 inch (10.16 mm), and in some embodiments,between about 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) and about 0.45 inch (11.43 mm), and insome embodiments, between about 0.3 inch (7.62 mm) and about 0.4 inch(10.16 mm), and in some embodiments, between about 0.35 inch (8.89 mm)and 0.38 inch (9.65 mm).

In some embodiments, the overall width 25 of the thermal connector 10may be between about 0.05 inch (0.25 mm) and about 0.4 inch (10.16 mm),and in some embodiments between about 0.02 inch (0.51 mm) about 0.4 inch(10.16 mm), and in some embodiments between about 0.08 inch (2.03 mm)and about 0.3 inch (7.62 mm), and in some embodiments between about 0.08inch (2.03 mm) and about 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), and in some embodimentsbetween about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) and about 0.3 inch (7.62 mm), and insome embodiments between about 0.3 inch (7.62 mm) and about 0.4 inch(10.16 mm).

In some embodiments, the overall length 51 of the thermal connector 10may be between about 1 and about 6 times greater than the overallthickness 44 of the thermal connector 10, in some embodiments, betweenabout 2 and about 6 times greater than the overall thickness 44 of thethermal connector 10, and, in some embodiments, between about 2 andabout 3.5 times greater than the overall thickness 44 of the thermalconnector 10.

In other embodiments, the overall length 51 of the thermal connector 10may be between about 3.2 and about 4.9 times greater than the overallthickness 44 of the thermal connector 10, and in some embodimentsbetween about 3.5 and about 4.5 times greater than the overall thickness44 of the thermal connector 10, and in some embodiments between about3.8 and about 4.2 times greater than the overall thickness 44 of thethermal connector 10. In other embodiments, the overall length 51 of thethermal connector 10 may be between 5 and 6.2 times greater than theoverall thickness 44 of the thermal connector 10, and in someembodiments between about 5.5 and 6.2 times greater than the overallthickness 44 of the thermal connector 10, and in some embodimentsbetween about 6.0 and 6.2 times greater than the overall thickness 44 ofthe thermal connector 10.

In some embodiments, each of the overall length 51 and the overall width25 of the thermal connector 10 may be between about 0.35 inch (8.89 mm)and about 0.4 inch (10.16 mm). For example, in some embodiments, each ofthe overall length 51 and the overall width 25 of the thermal connector10 may be between about 0.36 inch (9.14 mm) and about 0.38 inch (9.65mm).

In some embodiments, the thermal resistance across the overall length 51of the thermal connector 10 may be between about 2° C./W and about 10°C./W at about 22° C., and in some embodiments between 3° C./W and about7° C./W at about 22° C. For the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, thethermal resistance may be associated with a heat flow between the firstand third terminals 32, 36, for example. For the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, the thermal resistance may be associated with a heat flowbetween the first and second terminals 32, 34, for example.

In some embodiments, the thermal connector 10 may have an aspect ratiobetween the overall length 51 and the overall width 25 calculated as thelength divided by the width. A “thermal aspect resistance” parameter maybe defined as the ratio of the aspect ratio to the thermal resistance ofthe thermal connector 10 across the length of the thermal connector 10(e.g., between the first and third terminals 32, 36 for the embodimentof the thermal connector 10 depicted in FIG. 1). The “thermal aspectresistance” parameter may be defined as the thermal resistance dividedby the aspect ratio. The “thermal aspect resistance” parameter value maybe indicative of the effectiveness of the thermal connector 10 based onits size. For example, a low “thermal aspect resistance” may indicatethat the thermal connector 10 not only has a low thermal resistanceacross the length of the thermal connector 10 but also that the thermalconnector 10 has a reasonably high aspect ratio, such that it may span areasonable length compared to its width. In some embodiments, the“thermal aspect resistance” parameter may be between about 2.2 C/W andabout 4.3 C/W at about 22° C. In some embodiments, the “thermal aspectresistance” parameter may be between about 2.2 C/W and about 3.0 C/W atabout 22° C. In some embodiments the “thermal aspect resistance”parameter may be between about 2.5° C./W and about 4.1° C./W at about22° C. In some embodiments the “thermal aspect resistance” parameter maybe between about 2.5 C/W and about 3.2° C./W at about 22° C. In someembodiments the “thermal aspect resistance” parameter may be betweenabout 3.9° C./W and about 4.3° C./W at about 22° C.

As is known in the art, thermal resistivity and thermal conductivity ofa material are inversely related. Thus, a low thermal resistivitycorrelates with a high thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, theelectrically insulating beam 12 may be made from any suitable materialhaving a generally low thermal resistivity (e.g., less than about6.67×10⁻³ m·° C./W), and a generally high electrical resistivity (e.g.,greater than about 10¹⁴ Ω·cm). A thermal resistivity of 6.67×10⁻³ m·°C./W is equivalent with a thermal conductivity of about 150 W/m·° C. Inother words, suitable materials for the beam 12 may have a generallyhigh thermal conductivity, such as greater than about 150 W/m·° C.

For example, in some embodiments, the electrically insulating beam 12may be made from a material having a thermal conductivity between about100 W/m·° C. and about 300 W/m·° C. at about 22° C. In otherembodiments, the electrically insulating beam 12 may be made from amaterial having a thermal conductivity between about 125 W/m·° C. andabout 250 W/m·° C. at about 22° C. In other embodiments, theelectrically insulating beam 12 may be made from a material having athermal conductivity between about 150 W/m·° C. and about 200 W/m·° C.at about 22° C.

In some embodiments, the beam 12 may comprise aluminum nitride,beryllium oxide, aluminum oxide, boron nitride, silicon nitride,magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon carbide, any suitable ceramicmaterial, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating beam 12 may comprisealuminum nitride. For example, in some embodiments the electricallyinsulating beam 12 may be made from any suitable composition includingaluminum nitride. In some embodiments, the beam 12 may be made primarilyfrom aluminum nitride. For example, the beam 12 may contain additives orimpurities. In other embodiments, the electrically insulating beam 12comprises beryllium oxide. For example, in some embodiments theelectrically insulating beam 12 may be made from any suitablecomposition including beryllium oxide. In some embodiments, the beam 12may be made primarily from beryllium oxide. For example, the beam 12 maycontain additives or impurities.

In some embodiments, the terminals may include an outer layer over asubstrate. The substrate may be magnetic in some embodiments, andnon-magnetic in other embodiments. The outer layer may be formed fromany suitable material, including, for example, corrosion-resistantmaterials. For example, in some embodiments, the terminals may comprisean outer layer of gold, silver, platinum, nickel, and/or a mixture orcompound thereof. For example, in one embodiment, at least one of thefirst terminal 32 or the second terminal 34 may comprise gold. In someembodiments, at least one of the first terminal 32 or the secondterminal 34 may comprise a magnetic material. In some embodiments, themagnetic material may be a substrate and the outer layer may be disposedover the magnetic material. For example, in one embodiment, one or moreof the terminals may include an outer layer of gold disposed over amagnetic substrate, such as a magnetic or magnetized metal. In someembodiments, the substrate may comprise a metal such as copper or steel.In another embodiment, one of more of the terminals may include an outerlayer, such as gold, disposed over a non-magnetic substrate, such as aceramic, for example. In other embodiments, the outer layer may be gold,silver, platinum, nickel, copper, steel, and/or any other suitablematerial. Similarly, in other embodiments, the substrate may be gold,silver, platinum, nickel, copper, steel, and/or any other suitablematerial. Moreover, in some embodiments, the terminals may not includean outer layer.

In some embodiments, the thermal connector 10 may have a relatively lowcapacitance value. This may advantageously prevent substantialinterference with electric fields, such as radio waves. For example, thethermal connector 10 may result in substantially no interference withthe performance of electrical components to which the thermal connector10 is connected, such as radio frequency amplifiers. For example, insome embodiments, the capacitance of the thermal connector 10 may be 0.2pF or less. In some embodiments, the capacitance of the thermalconnector 10 may be 0.15 pF or less. In some embodiments, thecapacitance of the thermal connector 10 may be 0.13 pF or less. In someembodiments, the capacitance of the thermal connector 10 may be 0.10 pFor less. In some embodiments, the capacitance of the thermal connector10 may be 0.08 pF or less. In some embodiments the capacitance of thethermal connector 10 may be 0.01 pF or greater. In some embodiments thecapacitance of the thermal connector 10 may be 0.001 pF or greater.

The thermal connectors 10 may be manufactured or fabricated using anysuitable technique. For example, the beam 12 may be cut from a substrateor wafer, and the terminals may then be formed on each beam 12.Alternatively, the terminals may be formed on a plate-shaped materialand then the plate-shaped material may cut into the thermals connectors10. The terminals may be formed using any suitable process, including,for example, chemical or vapor deposition on the beam 12. Alternatively,in some embodiments, the terminals may be formed by dipping the ends ofthe beam 12 in a liquid form of the terminal material and then allowingthe terminal material to harden. The terminals may then be additionallyshaped or finished using any suitable method, including for example,grinding or sanding. In some embodiments, the above process may berepeated to produce terminals having multiple layers, e.g., a goldplating over a magnetic or non-magnetic layer.

IV. Connections

Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the thermal connector 10 may bedirectly connected between an electrical component 60 and a heat sink62, or any other suitable component. For example, the third terminal 36of the thermal connector 10 may be connected with an attachment tab 64of the electrical component, and the first terminal 32 may be connectedwith the heat sink 62. Heat may flow from the attachment tab 64 of theelectrical component 60, through the third terminal 36, through the beam12, and out through the first terminal 32 to the heat sink 62 (asillustrated by the arrow 63).

In other embodiments, multiple thermal conductors may be connected inparallel or series to a single electrical component. For example,multiple thermal conductors may be connected in series, in an end-to-endconfiguration, to span a distance greater than the length of a singlethermal conductor. Multiple thermal conductors may also be connected inparallel between a single electrical component and the heat sink, forexample. In other embodiments, multiple heat sinks may be connectedusing multiple thermal connectors 10 to the electrical component.

Lastly, in some embodiments, the thermal connector 10 may connect afirst electrical component with a second electrical component which mayact as a heat sink. For example the second electrical component, whilenot itself a heat sink, may be connected with a heat sink such that heatmay flow from the first electrical component, through the secondelectrical component, and into the heat sink. One of ordinary skill inthe art would understand that still other configurations are possiblebased on the above disclosure.

In some embodiments, the thermal connector 10 may be coupled directly tothe electrical component, which may be particularly advantageous forelectrical components lacking a suitable attachment tab 64. For example,the thermal connector 10 may directly thermally connect an electricalcomponent 60 with the heat sink 62 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The thermalconnector 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 has wrap-around terminals asillustrated in FIG. 2. The portion of the second wrap-around terminal 54of the thermal connector 10 that extends over the second end 20 of thebeam 12 may be directly attached to an exterior face 66 of theelectrical component. Similarly, a portion of the first wrap-aroundterminal 52 that extends over the first end 16 of the beam 12 may beattached to a face of the heat sink 62. This configuration mayadvantageously provide a greater contact surface with at least one ofthe electrical component 60 or the heat sink 62.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the electrical component 60 maybe stacked on top of one or more thermal connectors 10 such that thesecond and fourth terminals 34, 38 are attached to the electricalcomponent 60 and the first and third terminals 32, 36 are attached tothe heat sink 62. Heat may flow (as illustrated by arrow 63) from thesecond and fourth terminals through the beam 12 and out through thefirst and third terminals 32, 36 to the heat sink 62.

The connections between the terminals and the electrical component 60and/or heat sink 62 may be formed using any suitable method, such assoldering, for example. For example, the thermal connector 10 may beconnected using an interconnect that attaches to or connects therespective terminals of the thermal connector 10. The interconnect maybe made of a conductive material, such as a conductive metal. In oneembodiment, the interconnect may be relatively flat or may be one havingan increased surface area. Regarding the latter, the interconnect mayhave projections/protrusions or may also be formed from wires, braids,coils, etc. In this regard, the specific dimensions and configuration ofthe interconnects is not necessarily limited. Regardless of its form,any of a variety of different conductive materials may be employed, suchas copper, tin, nickel, aluminum, etc., as well as alloys and/or coatedmetals. If desired, the conductive material may optionally be insulatedwith a sheath material.

V. Electrical Tuning

In some embodiments, the thermal connectors 10 may include features thatprovide electrical tuning with the circuit and/or component to which thethermal connector 10 is connected. Such features can alter theradiofrequency and/or microwave frequency response and/orcharacteristics of the thermal connector, for example to provideimpedance matching.

Referring to FIG. 6A, one or more conductive trace(s) 100 may be formedon the top surface 26 of the thermal connector 10. The conductivetrace(s) 100 may be formed from any suitable material and may have oneor more layers, for example as described above with reference to theterminal materials and layer. For example, the conductive trace(s) 100may include gold, silver, platinum, nickel, copper, steel, and/or anyother suitable material.

The trace(s) 100 may be electrically connected (or integrally formed)with the second terminal 34. The trace(s) 100 may generally have an “L”shape that extends towards the fourth terminal 38. The size anddimensions of the trace(s) 100 may be selected to provide the desiredelectrical tuning effects.

Referring to FIG. 6B, another embodiment of the thermal connector 10 isillustrated that includes a conductive trace 102 that is configured toprovide electrical tuning (e.g., impedance matching). The conductivetrace 102 may be formed on a side surface 104 of the thermal connector10. A second side surface 106 may be parallel and opposite the sidesurface 104. The size and dimensions of the trace(s) 102 may be selectedto provide the desired electrical tuning effects.

It should be understood that conductive trace(s) may be formed on any ofthe surfaces (e.g., bottom surface 40, top surface 42, first end face14, second end face 18, and/or one or both of the side surfaces 104,106) of the thermal connector 10. Furthermore, the trace(s) may beelectrically connected with any of the terminals (e.g., first terminal32, second terminal 34, third terminal 36, and/or fourth terminal 38) ofthe thermal connector 10. However, the conductive traces generally arenot connected in a way that would facilitate electrical flow between theheat source and heat sink. In addition, the conductive traces may bephysically located between two or more of the terminals 32, 34, 36, 38.

The number, size, and shape of such traces can be selected to provideone or more desired electrical tuning characteristics (e.g., impedance,resonance frequency, insertion loss, return loss, etc.). As such, thetraces may have a variety of suitable shapes and geometries that can beselected to electrically tune the thermal connector 10. As examples, thetrace(s) may have an “L” or “T” shape. Similarly, the number of tracescan vary, for example between 1 and 10, or more.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, one or more holes 108 may beformed in the beam 12 and/or terminals (e.g., first terminal 32, secondterminal 34, third terminal 36, and/or fourth terminal 38) of thethermal connector 10 to electrically tune the thermal connector 10. Suchholes 108 may be formed using a variety of suitable techniques,including laser drilling. A size and/or number of such holes 108 may beselected to electrically tune the thermal connector 10, for example, toprovide impedance matching. Referring to FIG. 7, a pair of holes 108 mayextend from the top face 26 to the bottom face 28 of the thermalconnector 10. In other embodiments, holes may extend between sidesurfaces 102, 104 or between end faces 14, 20. Additionally, anysuitable number of holes may be provided, including, for example from 1to 10, or more.

VI. Applications

The various embodiments of thermal connectors 10 disclosed herein may beconnected between any suitable heat source and sink. For example, thethermal connector 10 may be connected to a heat source, such as aterminal pad or conductive trace, and connected to a grounded cover orthermal via. The thermal via may be formed in a layer of a printedcircuit board and may connect with a heat sink. For instance, thethermal connector 10 may be connected with the thermal via on a firstsurface of the layer, and the thermal via may extend through the layerto connect with a heat sink that is located on a second surface that isopposite the first surface.

The thermal connector 10 may also be connected between terminals of atransistor (e.g., MOSFET). For example, the thermal connector 10 may beconnected between gate and ground terminals. As another example, thethermal connector 10 may be connected between source and groundterminals.

The various embodiments of thermal connectors 10 disclosed herein mayfind application with any suitable electrical component, such as a poweramplifier, filter, synthesizer, computer component, power supply, and/ordiode, for example. Specific examples of power amplifier types includeGallium Nitride (GaN) power amplifiers, high radio frequency amplifiers,and the like. Examples of diodes which may be suitable for connectionwith a thermal component, as described herein, may include diodesspecifically adapted for use in lasers, among other types of diodes. Forexample, referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the thermal connector10 may be used to form or improve a thermal connection between a laserdiode 66 and a heat sink 62. In some embodiments, the thermal connector10 may be used to form or improve a thermal connection between a monitorphotodiode 68 and the heat sink 62.

EXAMPLE

The following table shows dimensions and thermal properties for variousexemplary embodiments in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

TABLE 1 Examples of Thermal Connector Embodiments Thermal ThermalResistance Conductivity Case Length Width Thickness (C/W) (mW/C) Size(in) (in) (in) AIN BeO AIN BeO 2010  0.195  0.095 0.06 10 6 100 159 25250.24 0.25 0.06  4 3 240 380 3737  0.365  0.375 0.06  4 3 240 380 37250.37  0.245 0.06  6 4 160 254

These and other modifications and variations of the present inventionmay be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Inaddition, it should be understood that aspects of the variousembodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoingdescription is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit theinvention so further described in such appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermal connector comprising: an electricallyinsulating beam having a first end face at a first end and a second endface at a second end, the second end face opposite the first end face inan X direction, the beam having a width in a Y direction perpendicularto the X direction, the beam having a top face and a bottom face whichis offset from the top face in a Z direction, the Z direction beingperpendicular to each of the X and Y directions; a first terminalattached to the bottom face and adjacent the first end; and a secondterminal attached to the top face and adjacent the first end; aconductive trace formed on the electrically insulating beam andconfigured to provide electrical tuning.
 2. The thermal connector ofclaim 1, wherein the electrically insulating beam comprises a materialhaving a thermal conductivity from about 150 W/m° C. to about 300 W/m°C. at about 22° C.
 3. The thermal connector of claim 1, wherein theelectrically insulating beam comprises aluminum nitride.
 4. The thermalconnector of claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating beam comprisesberyllium oxide.
 5. The thermal connector of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third terminal attached to the bottom face and adjacentthe second end; and a fourth terminal attached to the top face andadjacent the second end.
 6. The thermal connector of claim 1, furtherincluding a first end face terminal attached to the first end face ofthe beam and connecting the first terminal with the second terminal. 7.The thermal connector of claim 1, further including a second end faceterminal attached to the second end face of the beam and connecting thethird terminal with the fourth terminal.
 8. The thermal connector ofclaim 1, wherein the first terminal spans the width of the beam acrossthe first end face of the beam.
 9. The thermal connector of claim 1,wherein an overall length of the thermal connector is between about 2.5mm and about 12.7 mm.
 10. The thermal connector of claim 1, wherein anoverall width of the thermal connector is between about 5.1 mm and about10.2 mm.
 11. The thermal connector of claim 1, wherein the thermalresistance of the thermal connector is between about 2° C./W and about10° C./W at about 22° C.
 12. The thermal connector of claim 1, whereinthe overall thickness is between about 1.4 mm and about 2.16 mm.
 13. Thethermal connector of claim 1, wherein the thermal connector has anoverall length between 3.2 and 4.9 times the overall thickness of thethermal connector.
 14. The thermal connector of claim 1, wherein thethermal connector has an overall length between 5 and 6.2 times theoverall thickness of the thermal connector.
 15. The thermal connector ofclaim 1, wherein the thermal connector has an overall length in the Xdirection, and each of the overall length and the overall width of thethermal connector is between about 8.9 mm and about 10.2 mm.
 16. Thethermal connector of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first terminalor the second terminal comprises gold.
 17. The thermal connector ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first terminal or the secondterminal comprises a magnetized material.
 18. The thermal connector ofclaim 1, wherein at least one hole is formed in the beam to provideelectrical tuning.
 19. A thermal connector comprising: an electricallyinsulating beam having a first end face at a first end and a second endface at a second end, the second end face opposite the first end face inan X direction, the beam having a width in a Y direction perpendicularto the X direction, the beam having a top face and a bottom face whichis offset from the top face in a Z direction, the Z direction beingperpendicular to each of the X and Y directions; a first terminalattached to the bottom face and adjacent the first end; and a secondterminal attached to the top face and adjacent the first end; wherein atleast one hole is formed in the electrically insulating beam to provideelectrical tuning.
 20. The thermal connector of claim 19, wherein theelectrically insulating beam comprises a material having a thermalconductivity from about 150 W/m·° C. to about 300 W/m·° C. at about 22°C.
 21. The thermal connector of claim 19, wherein the electricallyinsulating beam comprises at least one of aluminum nitride or berylliumoxide.
 22. The thermal connector of claim 19, further comprising: athird terminal attached to the bottom face and adjacent the second end;and a fourth terminal attached to the top face and adjacent the secondend.